As prostate cancer develops slowly and treatment may carry risks, doctors often simply monitor the tumour rather than treat it immediately. Treatment depends on your symptoms, age, general health and on the type and stage of the cancer.
Treatments include:
- Surgery to remove the prostate. Side effects of urinary incontinence and impotence may occur
- Hormone therapy to counter the effect of testosterone (primary male sex hormone)
- Chemotherapy to relieve the symptoms of prostate cancer
- Radiation therapy (high-energy x-ray) to kill the cancer cells
- Brachytherapy (insertion of radioactive implants) to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumour to destroy cancer cells
If you are older than 50 years, you should discuss undergoing a prostate cancer screening with your doctor.